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Status Submitted
Workspace IBM i
Categories IFS (Integrated File System) and Servers
Created by Guest
Created on Jul 17, 2026

RELATED IDEAS

The shipped value for *PUBLIC authority to the root is *RWX. WHY??????

IBM should reassess the default authority posture for the IBM i root directory, specifically where broad *RWX authority is allowed by default. From a modern security and resiliency perspective, this default creates unnecessary exposure and places the burden on customers to discover, understand, and remediate a high-risk configuration after implementation.

Given today’s threat landscape, IBM i should ship with a more restrictive, least-privilege default authority model for the root directory. Customers should not have to harden such a foundational security control manually after the fact. A more secure default, supported by clear documentation, impact analysis, and recommended remediation steps, would better align IBM i with enterprise security expectations, audit readiness, and regulated-industry requirements.

This is especially important for organizations like Guild, where IBM i supports critical business operations and resiliency objectives. Default configurations should help customers reduce risk, not introduce ambiguity around foundational access controls.

Idea priority High
  • Guest
    Aug 26, 2026

    Thank you for taking the time to submit this IBM Idea and share your feedback with IBM and the broader IBM i community.

    The CAAC has reviewed this Idea and, after careful consideration, does not recommend that IBM move forward with the request in its current form at this time.

    Reason: The CAAC discussed the security concern raised by this request and concluded that the shipped *PUBLIC *RWX authority for the IFS root is appropriate for the way the IFS permission model is designed to operate. IFS access is governed through a combination of UNIX-style permissions and IBM i authorities, allowing administrators to apply additional restrictions based on their organization's security requirements. Because IFS usage and security requirements vary significantly among IBM i environments, the CAAC believes it is preferable for individual organizations to determine and implement the level of restriction appropriate for their environment rather than changing the shipped root authority for all IBM i clients.

    Although the CAAC is not recommending implementation of this request, Ideas such as this help IBM and the CAAC better understand the needs and priorities of the IBM i community. We appreciate your contribution and encourage you to continue submitting IBM Ideas and sharing your feedback.

    Background: The COMMON Americas Advisory Council (CAAC) includes members with a broad range of experience working with small and medium-sized IBM i clients. The CAAC works with IBM i development to help assess the potential value and impact of individual IBM Ideas on the broader IBM i community.

    For more information on the CAAC, visit: https://www.common.org/common-americas-advisory-council/

    Brandon Pederson - CAAC Program Manager

    Reply

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